Rubio’s India Visit to Focus on Mumbai and Jamnagar

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Mumbai and Jamnagar during a trip to India, where talks are expected to cover energy, trade and the broader strategic partnership. The itinerary omits New Delhi, drawing criticism from some political figures and a former Indian diplomat, while officials say meetings outside the capital are not unprecedented. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar would meet Rubio in Mumbai on October 20. The U.S. State Department said the visit would address the strategic partnership, regional and global issues, and energy cooperation. Indian officials also identified trade, investment, defence and emerging technologies as topics for the Mumbai discussions. Rubio is expected to visit Jamnagar, home to a major refining complex operated by Reliance Industries, and meet business representatives. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has described the trip as having a stronger business focus. The State Department said Rubio would meet business leaders to discuss commercial investment and economic cooperation. The itinerary has prompted questions about diplomatic protocol. A former Indian...